What to expect in Masai Mara

Everyone has probably heard of Masai Mara as it is, after all, Kenya's flagship safari park and reserve and one of Africa's top wildlife destinations. It is the quintessential destination for travelers looking for a legitimate African safari experience — unbelievable wildlife and real Africa feels, great opportunities for cultural exposure, and many more. But, what can we really expect in Masai Mara?

Iconic landscapes and thrilling experiences

Masai Mara promises an impressive scenery made up of wide open grassland and a perennial river teeming with an incredible variety of animals. You can expect 1510 km² of untouched nature as everything in the ecosystem exists in its natural form. Its varied landscapes also offer a multitude of exciting safari activities including nature walks, balloon safaris, bush picnics, visits to Maasai villages, and of course, game drives.

Abundant resident game all year round

The wildlife in Masai Mara is incredibly diverse and teeming with over 95 mammal species including the glorious Big 5: lions, elephants, black rhinos, cape buffalos and leopards. Other animals that can be easily spotted in the park are wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, jackals, cheetahs, nocturnal black-eared foxes, Thomson's gazelles, elands, antelopes, hartebeests and about a thousand more. Hippos, turtles and Nile crocodiles can also be seen taking a plunge or sunbathing on the riverbanks. Aside from these, Maasai Mara also features a prolific avifauna with over 450 species including storks, hornbills, long-crested eagles and even Africa's national bird, the lilac-breasted roller.

Early wake up calls

When on a safari in Masai Mara, expect to get a wake up call at around 6 or 6:30. After a quick bite or perhaps a cup of coffee, you will climb aboard a safari vehicle with your expert guide to head out into the bush for cats and other game. This is done early in the morning because wildlife is most active during this time.

Mornings in the Mara can be chilly so wearing or packing layers would be wise. Temperature will start to rise as the sun also rises, providing a stunning African backdrop as it kisses the savannas, making it golden. This early game drive usually lasts for about 2-4 hours depending on your sightings, and during this time, you will learn more about animal behavior, see local sightings and be acquainted with the environment around you.

A second or even third game drive

Typically, a safari in the Mara gives you ample of opportunities to see wildlife and nature. After your early morning game drives, you can expect an afternoon game drive and sometimes, a night drive, too.

By sunset, animals are more active and less likely to be hiding in the bushes for some shade so it’s a perfect opportunity to spot more animals. Venture out in your 4 x 4 vehicle again with your safari guide and explore the wilderness at sundown. Most of the time, your guide will bring a cool box filled with your preferred drinks for a sundowner. You will then make a toast to the sun after an incredible day on safari.

“The greatest show on earth”

One of Masai Mara’s greatest highlights is the Great Wildebeest Migration. Did you know that this iconic, UNESCO-recognized wildlife event can only be found in two safari parks in the world? One of these parks is the Mara and the park welcomes these hooved migrants around July through October.

Millions of wildebeests, zebras, Thomson's gazelles, elands and topi stampede across the river and plains of the Masai Mara while opportunistic predators lurk over them. You can expect plenty of animal interactions from predator to prey action to predator versus predator activities! People await this annual natural event and even refer to it as the "World Cup of Wildlife” and “the greatest show on earth.”

Wide Range of Accommodation Options

Masai Mara can cater to your housing needs with their wide-range selection of accommodations — from budget campsites to basic lodges to luxury cabins and tented camps. You have the option to pick a location, like somewhere near the river or perhaps in a prime wildlife area, and you can also opt to prepare your own food or go with their full board option. If you fancy a good old fashioned camping experience, you can either pitch your own tent or rent one of theirs. Whichever type of accommodation you choose, the Mara features cutting-edge facilities and guarantees a five-star service.

Cultural visits to local villages

Among 45 cultures in Kenya, parts of the Masai Mara is inhabited by an indigenous community called the Maasai. They have been living in the area for years and even after the intrusion of the western culture in Kenya, they still remain faithful to their African roots and Masai heritage.

When in Masai Mara, you can visit the villages and learn about their culture. They can show you how to build houses from mud, how to cook local food, how to make their clothes and accessories, how to dance their traditional Maasai dance, and even how to hunt — Maasai way.

Truly, Africa boasts a widespread caboodle of game reserves and wildlife zones that people flock to every year and one of the top destinations is Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. There are plenty of other Kenya safari tours as well which could be great add-ons to any Masai Mara trip. The good news is, a variety of airlines now fly daily and directly to Masai Mara and even to some other parts of Kenya as well. If you want to explore the neighboring country of Kenya which is equally spectacular, there are also a myriad of Kenya Tanzania safaris to choose from!